Deemed a “Sanctuary for the Soul”—the Casa Piena estate is an unexpected jewel of luxury set amidst a private, gated community just 30 minutes from downtown San Diego, California. Exquisite details that recreate the ambiance of an authentic northern Italian villa, masterful artwork and craftsmanship that draw on the finest materials from around the world and ultra modern amenities highlight a life well lived in this gorgeous oasis.

Graced with 43 rooms, the estate consists of 26,862 square feet of living space, including 11 bedrooms and 17 bathrooms. Four separate buildings comprise the property: the main house, guest house, pool cabana, and detached garage. Classic interior details include carved wood moldings, solid walnut doors, elaborate beamed and hand painted ceilings, custom murals, stone floors, exotic wood paneled walls, authentic Italian lighting and seven imported hand carved stone fireplaces. The main house’s casino, theater, wine room, elevator, two offices, gourmet kitchen, master suite and guest rooms are highlighted by spaciousness, authentic Italian details and more than 100 windows. The guest house features two bedrooms, a living room and full bath while the cabana offers a large patio, bar and full bath. A three-bay detached garage and three-bay attached garage provide ample room. “The quality of craftsmanship and attention to detail of Casa Piena is at an exceptional level that is rarely seen in all of Southern California,” says Ed Earl of Priority One Properties, who served as the Owner’s Representative and provided professional project management services during the five year construction of the estate.

Set amidst four and one half acres with scenic valley and hill vistas the estate also overlooks the Maderas Golf Club—rated the best golf course in San Diego County. The estate also features mature landscaping, a sunken tennis court, a 3,000+ square foot swimming pool with two waterfalls, a Jacuzzi with a swimming river, a rock slide and a grotto. Ornate iron work complement the grounds and include a gazebo and arbors, a large backyard with two barbeque areas, a sunken garden, two large stone terraced areas, an olive orchard and a private jogging trail around the property. The estate is fully automated as a “smart house” with one-button controls for everything from lighting, sound, window/door locks, window coverings tied to an astronomical clock, security, air quality controls, and more.

“The size, scope and quality of this estate truly make it stand out. The designer spared no detail and found authentic materials and expert craftsmanship from 20 countries. Just one example is the wine room floor—it’s crafted from stones that paved the streets in Jerusalem more than 2,000 years ago. It’s possible that Christ walked on these very stones,” Earl says. “The mosaic walls in the adjacent wine room bathroom were crafted by nuns in a monastery in Tunisia.”

Casa Piena is located in the Heritage Estates in Poway in San Diego County, California. “This property offers terrific privacy, ample land and easy access to freeways,” Earl says. “It’s a wonderful place to enjoy life.”